Challenge 11 Student Choice Revised

Write a project plan where students are given a choice in their outcome and topic for a project

Title: Why are they famous?
Grade: 3rd grade
Subject: Reading

English Language Arts ALCOS: 3rd grade:
14.) Use text features and search tools (e.g. key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.
23.) Write informative or explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
a. Introduce a topic and group related information together: include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension
b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
c. Use linking words or phrases to connect ideas within categories of information.
d. Provide a concluding statement or section.

ISTE NETS Standards
  • Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
  • Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
  • Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

Lesson Objective:
Students will demonstrate knowledge they have learned about a person and share that information through their chosen tool of technology.

Approximate Time Frame:
8-10 days

Instruction:
Students will choose a person to research according to a list (link below). The books are sorted according to reading level, and students must choose a book that is on his/her reading level.
Biography Project Names.doc
Biography Project Names.doc

Biography Project Names.doc

Students will use the internet and a book to locate information about the famous person. Each student will visit this wikispace and use the Biography Project link to locate websites to find information. The biography must include the information located on the biography checklist sheet (link below).
Biography Checklist.doc
Biography Checklist.doc

Biography Checklist.doc

While researching these facts students must find information on the person's early life/childhood, adult life including the person's major accomplishments, and the effect this person had on people. While locating the information students will complete the biography organizer (link below).
Biography Graphic Organizer.doc
Biography Graphic Organizer.doc

Biography Graphic Organizer.doc

Students can complete the biography using one of the following options:
  • Create the biography at www.storyjumper.com.
  • Create a Prezi presentation.
  • Create a StoryKit using the StoryKit app on the iPad.
  • Create a "traditional" book using construction paper.

Each biography project will be graded according to a rubric. The rubric is attached below.
Biography Rubric.doc
Biography Rubric.doc

Biography Rubric.doc


  1. Each student will present his/her biography to the class. It will be highly recommended that each student dress up as the person.
  2. Each student will also post a response to the "Thrilled in Third Grade" blog. The blog response should include what they learned about conducting research.
  3. The blog response should also contain the link to their biography project.

Special Education students will work with a partner.